PFA Service to the Profession

 Back to 50th Awards

Pedorthic community,

Robert (Bob) and his twin brother Richard Schwartz...both have been dear friends and mentors to me for many years. The Schwartz family has been like family to many of us in pedorthics today.

I would like to take a moment to share a little history.

Apex Foot Health Industries was founded in 1946 by Paul and Charles Schwartz. The Schwartz brothers founded Apex in the backroom of a Manhattan shoe store, initially focusing on leather and stainless-steel arch supports and shoe repair components; the company is widely recognized as a leader in therapeutic footwear, particularly for diabetic patients, with their first dedicated diabetic shoe, "the healing shoe," introduced in 1971 – Almost 53 years ago!
   The Ambulator was the very first shoe that I used in my Pharmacy. Apex University was a leader in Pedorthic education, and it was a brilliant marketing strategy for the company as well. It built a community of loyal customers, and dedicated educators, of which I’m proud to say I was one of the first. Dick was very active with PFA and often presented on topics about materials and chemical compatibility. He always had my back and was one of my greatest cheer leaders. Apex has evolved and grown the business into Aetrex Worldwide with Dick’s sons Larry, Matt and Evan.

Here are just a few well wishes from them…

As Twins Robert Schwartz and Richard Schwartz would both come from the same beginnings. Loving parents Paul and Bea and the History of Apex and Eneslow.
   Eneslow, originally known as N.S. Low, was founded by Edward and Nellie Stone Low in 1909, selling trusses, surgical products and shoes on Avenue A in Manhattan. In 1914, Nat Low joined Edward Low, and the business was incorporated. The shoe department flourished and by 1926 the shoe department became its own company – Eneslow.
   By the 1940s, the company had attracted the attention of Paul Schwartz, who was a custom orthotics maker, and who owned the wholesale business Apex Foot Health Industries, which sold foot products, particularly orthotics and arch supports. As a wholesaler, he sold his products to Eneslow. His goal was to have a package of foot, orthotics and shoes as a one-stop shop.
   In 1968, Paul and Charles Schwartz bought Eneslow. Richard and Bob came to work at Eneslow in 1973 after a 10-year career in retail and marketing. Brothers and partners just like their dad and uncle for years. Bob continues to run Eneslow today as a leader in Pedorthic Comfort footwear. Committed to Pedorthic education, in 1995, Eneslow Pedorthic Institute (EPI) was founded by Dr. Justin Wernick, DPM and Robert S. Schwartz, C. Ped.
   Bob has Marla a devoted partner and endless supporter of PFA and 2 children Rachel and Micheal. Rachel works at Eneslow, and both offer you these words.
“Both of you have enriched our profession and your companies are institutions in the industry. Your legacy catapults us forward to a bright future validating the need for our services and our products.”

Please join us in celebrating Schwartz Family’s well-deserved recognition and his contributions to both PFA and the Pedorthic community.

Thank you,

Teresa Alpert
- PFA President